Sunday Thoughts

I am rarely serious on this blog. However, I feel the need to share some thoughts I've been having lately.
Let me begin by sharing a quote by L. Tom Perry.

"As we take a long hard look at the world today, it is becoming increasingly evident that Satan is working overtime to enslave the souls of men. His main target is the fundamental unit of society- the family. During the past few decades, Satan has waged a vigorous campaign to belittle and demean this basic and most important of all organizations. "

I have been witnessing this war for many years. It seems to have kicked into overdrive recently. I have been astounded at the cunning way Satan makes good look evil and evil look good. Without a firm rock to tether ourselves to, we can be easily knocked off our foundation. The vicious verbal (and in some cases physical) attacks on supporters of Proposition 8 are just one example. The media has been in the forefront of this battle. Movies and TV shows make marriage out to be old fashioned and disposable. I read a review today for a new movie "He's Just Not That Into You." I was looking forward to seeing this movie, until I read this review. Apparently, in the movie a woman is encouraged to seduce a married man because he might be "the one." This along with other not so subtle attacks on love, marriage, and the self-respect of women make me certain I will not be wasting my time or money on this film.

I don't care how many gifts she gives her audiences, I will not support Oprah either. I have heard her attack and belittle marriage one too many times. That is not something I will stand for. I know I am in the minority on this one. I know many people LOVE her. But I do not. I used to be an avid fan. The last straw for me came when she tried to convince her audience (full of married women) that marriage is an out dated ideal and is on it's way out. She tried to tell us that marriage used to serve a purpose in society, but those needs are being met in other ways. We, as a society, should no longer be subjected to the outdated standards imposed by marriage.

No Thank you Oprah!

I will take my council from someone a little wiser than you.

We need to stand up for marriage. We need to believe in it when no one else does. We need to stand up for families. We need to protect them from the world that is trying to tear them down.

The Relief Society sisters in my ward have been issued a challenge for 2009. That challenge is to memorize the Family Proclamation. The hope is that by memorizing this sacred document we will be better able to guide our families through the storms of life. I don't know if I can do it, but I am going to try.

My family needs me.

I need to be ready to fight for them. For the remainder of the year I will be posting a small portion of the proclamation in my sidebar. I hope this will help keep it in my mind and well as in your minds throughout this coming year. Feel free to memorize it with me.